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SEIU's Stern to Unions: "Join the Economic Revolution"
11 segments available
"No single generation has ever witnessed so much change in a lifetime," SEIU President Andy Stern told a Business School audience, and unions must be part of that change. This is an excerpt of his speech to business school students as part of the View from the Top Speaker Series. (Recorded: April 20, 2009)
Segments Timeline
The Importance of Meaning in Life
Andy Stern emphasizes the significance of finding meaning in one's career choices over mere financial gain or societal expectations. He shares personal insights on how passion and heart should guide career decisions, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from pursuing what matters to you, regardless of external pressures.
"you know the truth is that for all the career planning we all do uh for all the attempts we try to find our course in life uh I can just say there's no substitute for meaning meaning actually means so..."
Witnessing an Economic Revolution
Stern discusses the unprecedented economic transformation occurring globally, marking it as the third major economic revolution in history. He contrasts this rapid change with previous revolutions, emphasizing the shift from traditional employment structures to a more flexible, self-managed workforce, predicting that a significant portion of the American workforce will become contingent workers.
"untold story I think of this time that our history will well document is that our country joined by the rest of the world is living through the most profound the most significant the most transformati..."
Rethinking Pay for Performance
In this segment, Stern addresses the complexities of pay-for-performance models, particularly in the context of recent failures in the banking sector. He raises critical questions about individual versus collective performance evaluation and the need for fair compensation structures that reflect true contributions, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by union dynamics.
"will be uh contingent or free agents they will have no full-time employer my son who's 21 is expected to have 9 to 12 jobs by the time he's 35 can you just give us your views on pay for performance it..."
Navigating Union and Management Responsibilities
Stern reflects on the dual responsibilities of managers in unionized environments, discussing the challenges of balancing employee welfare with organizational goals. He shares insights from his experience managing a large workforce, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives and the need for flexibility in decision-making during crises.
"think you know I mean I know people like to say that unions you know uh protect bad workers people might argue tenure protects bad workers you know but I don't think uh you know those are really the f..."
The Role of Unions in Economic Health
Stern critiques the role of unions in the context of the American auto industry's collapse, arguing that unions must hold employers accountable for poor business practices. He stresses the importance of unions advocating for quality and competitiveness, rather than merely protecting jobs, to ensure long-term economic viability.
"nervous about taking a job in management in a unionized environment um and and I think that's true across the ideological Spectrum actually or political Spectrum um and I was hoping you could talk abo..."
Understanding the Manager's Dilemma
In this segment, Stern discusses the inherent conflicts faced by managers in unionized settings, particularly when making tough decisions that affect employees. He emphasizes the need for managers to navigate these challenges thoughtfully, balancing the interests of various stakeholders while maintaining a commitment to ethical leadership.
"know when we made a reorganization because our Union felt that workers who did the same type of work belonged in the same Union and we had our members vote to say if you're a hospital worker you're go..."
The Inequity of Executive Compensation
Stern critiques the disparity in compensation between executives and workers, using Walmart's CEO as an example. He argues that such inequities undermine the concept of shared success within organizations and calls for a reevaluation of how profits and rewards are distributed among all employees.
"about this a lot in my own Union you know is how do I live up to my responsibility to my members as managers do to shareholders and you know and then how do we live up to our responsibility to each ot..."
Unions and the Auto Industry Crisis
Stern analyzes the factors contributing to the crisis in the American auto industry, highlighting the union's role in failing to advocate for necessary changes. He argues that unions must take responsibility for ensuring their members' employers remain competitive and calls for a shift in focus towards sustainable business practices.
"got my hand on the steering wheel and I like it that way and who wouldn't you know the point is that's not life we've heard in the last several months a lot about the collapse of the American Auto ind..."
The Need for Competitive Wages
Stern discusses the importance of unions in maintaining competitive wages while ensuring that they do not become a burden on employers. He emphasizes the need for unions to adapt to changing economic realities and to advocate for fair wages that do not compromise the competitiveness of their industries.
"Boomerang back and hit us all two is that we have responsibility as unions if we want to make our employers allow our employers to be competitive to take wages out of competition I guess that's an off..."
The Debate on Union Recognition
In this segment, Stern addresses the controversy surrounding union recognition processes, particularly the card check system versus secret ballot elections. He argues for the necessity of restoring fair recognition practices while acknowledging the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the current labor landscape.
"say the you know the final thing about you know the Auto Workers is that you know they you know did not you know rally I think all the assets they had at their disposal you know there were a lot of su..."
The Reality of Union Elections
Stern critiques the notion of secret ballot elections in union organizing, arguing that the current system is flawed and often undermines workers' rights. He calls for a more equitable approach to union elections that truly reflects the voices of employees without the undue influence of employers.
"in most countries around the world you know recognition processes are done by signing cards not having election so America is a unique outlier you know not necessarily you know the status quo two is y..."